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  • Title: Protection of breastfeeding in Papua New Guinea.
    Author: Friesen H, Vince J, Boas P, Danaya R.
    Journal: Bull World Health Organ; 1999; 77(3):271-4. PubMed ID: 10212520.
    Abstract:
    In Papua New Guinea the bottle-feeding of babies has been increasing, predominantly among unemployed women of low educational status. Many women are unaware of their legal right to have breaks at work for the purpose of breastfeeding, and a high proportion of workplaces have no facilities for mothers who wish to breastfeed their children. The laws on the feeding of infants should be updated and implemented, and an effort is needed to explain the benefits of breastfeeding and the rights of working mothers. Among women leaving hospital after delivery in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the proportion feeding their babies artificially increased from 6% in 1964 to 22% in 1974. However, bottle-feeding was known by health personnel to have devastating effects upon children's health. A 1976 survey conducted in 5 suburbs of the city found that a third of babies were artificially fed, of whom 69% were malnourished, compared to only 26% of breast-fed children similarly malnourished. Papua New Guinea's Baby Feed Supplies (Control) Act 1977 was issued to keep parents from obtaining feeding bottles except from registered pharmacists upon presentation of a prescription issued by a registered health worker. The Act also prohibits the advertising of breast milk substitutes. A 1979 survey in 4 of the 5 suburbs covered in 1976 found that only 11% of babies were being bottle-fed, indicating a positive short-term effect of the Act. Current policy favors exclusive breast-feeding for the first 4-6 months of a baby's life, no bottle-feeding in maternity or pediatric facilities, and active discouragement of such feeding. A 1995 multicenter infant feeding survey which collected feeding data on 1822 infants under age 2 years found that breast milk substitutes or other fluids were given to 1133 children, with bottles readily attained without prescription. Bottle-feeding was common in all of the provincial centers studied, with the highest prevalence being 35% in the Western Highlands Province. The prevalence of bottle-feeding was positively correlated with the level of mother's education and her work status as a paid employee. 72% of the bottle-feeding mothers knew that such feeding practice can cause diarrhea, almost two-thirds of the working women were unaware that they were legally entitled to 2 half-hour breast-feeding breaks daily, and the existence of child care facilities at the workplace was reported by less than 5% of interviewees.
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